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Sunday, January 17, 2016

Panchavati- Nashik,India

Panchavati- Nashik

Destination: Maharashtra, Nashik

Location

Panchavati is a famous pilgrimage site which is situated in the
holy city of Nashik of Maharashtra state. It lies on the banks of
Godavari River. Panchavati means the garden of five trees. This place
has a huge spiritual, historical and religious significance among
Hindus. Pilgrims from all over India comes here in large numbers to take
a dip in the holy Godavari River for purification of their sins. Kumbh
Mela, the largest peaceful gathering of the world, is also organized
here after every 12 years on rotation with Ujjain, Allahabad, and
Haridwar. Over a 100 million people from different parts of the world
visit this Mela to seek blessings. The northern part of Nashik is
referred to as “Panchavati”, because of the presence of five Banyan
trees which are believed to be existed here from the times of Ramayana
till today.

History and Architecture

As depicted in Ramayana, Panchavati once used to be an integral
part of the Dandakaranya forest. This was the very place where Lord Rama
constructed his abode with his brother Laxman and wife Sita when he was
sent to an exile of 14 years.
There is another popular religious place called Tapovan, which is
in very close vicinity from Panchavati. According to Hindu mythology,
Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama cut off the nose of Surpanaka, the
sister of Ravana here when she tried to kill Sita. The whole Aranya
Kanda is set in Panchavati itself.
The famous attractions at Panchavati are:

Sita Gufa

One can enter this cave through a narrow staircase. It is located
at the western end of the Kalaram Temple. It is the place where Goddess
Sita is said to be kidnapped by Ravana. It is believed that she was
resting at this place before the demon Ravana came here and abducted
her. Inside this cave, the idols of Ramayana trinity – Rama, Sita, and
Lakshmana can be seen. There is also a staircase inside the cave which
leads to Shiv Linga.

Kalaram Temple

The Kalaram temple was constructed by the Peshwas.It took 12
years to build this temple. The black coloured deities of Lord Rama,
Goddess Sita and Lakshmana are present here festooned with knick-knacks.
The temple is about 70 feet high and is all made up from black stones.
The temple has a gold plated dome which is specially made from copper.
There are many additional brilliant sculptures in this temple which
represents the magnificent architectural beauty of that era. The Kalaram
temple is one of the most historic temples of Nasik, and during special
festivals like Dussehra and Ram Navami, it is filled with hundreds of
devotees.

Ramkund

The popular belief is that Lord Ram had his bath at Ramkund,
during some point of his exile. And therefore, thousands of devotees
visit this place to take a holy dip in it. Mortal remains (Asthi)
submerged in this Kund, are immediately absorbed in the water. A dip in
this holy kunda is considered very religious. The ashes of Gandhiji were
also dropped in Ramkund after he passed away on 30th January, 1948.
During Kumbha Mela, thousands of Sadhus, holy men and millions of
pilgrims dip themselves in the holy Ramkund and Kushavarta reservoirs.

Ganga Ghat

Nashik is a hub of religious activities, which mostly take place
on the sacred banks of the Godavari River. The banks of this holy river
are broad with scenic ghats and beautiful temples. These bathing ghats
produces an echo with holy recites of people who come here to offer the
last ritual to their beloved ones. Ganga Bathing Ghat, whose holy waters
are presumed to cleanse the sins, offers an imposing view to the
pilgrims. The majestic Ganga Ghat looks incredibly magical in the
twilight, when the holy water of the sacred river is illuminated with
multitude of oil lamps and hovers of flowers.
Other Major Attractions at Panchavati includes Godavari Temple,
Sundarnarayan Temple and Naroshankar temple. Tapovan, Akshardham and
Shri Kailash Math are also located in very close vicinity to Panchavati.
During the auspicious occasion of Kumbh Mela, millions of people
flock here. The next Kumbh Mela will be held at Nashik in 2015 from 15th
August to 13th September. If you want to experience the spiritual
ecstasy, do visit Panchavati once in a lifetime.